| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 17, 2020 | Aug. 05, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 17, 2020 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Weatherford International plc | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | L2 | |
| Entity File Number | 001-36504 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0606750 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2000 St. James Place | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston | |
| Entity Address, State | TX | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77056 | |
| City Area Code | 713 | |
| Local Phone Number | 836.4000 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001603923 | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
